Ottawa – The City will be hosting its first ever Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Roundtable on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Predicted to be a day of engaging discussion, response to the event has been extremely positive, with registration filling up within a week of its announcement. The morning will feature presentations by well-known and respected panellists who will provide an update on the state of the issue, with a focus on both policies and programs that are being implemented to address climate change issues. The presentations will be followed by an open mic exchange between panellists and participants. The morning session will be webcast to give all residents an opportunity to share in the discussion.
“Climate change is a significant and well-documented phenomenon,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Working with our residents and both levels of Government, the City of Ottawa will continue the challenging task of reducing the long-term, harmful effect of GHGs on our climate and the environment.”
City Council committed to hosting the Roundtable when the results of its 2004 and 2008 GHG inventory were received. This event supports the City’s commitment to producing a renewed and integrated Climate Change Plan for Ottawa that will build on the important work currently underway with the Official Plan, Transportation and Infrastructure Master Plan updates. These, combined with the reporting of the 2012 GHG inventory, will set the stage for delivery of a comprehensive Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan for Ottawa to be completed in the first half of 2014.